6.6.23 Football Articles

[aubiefifty 16,753]

DL T.J. Lindsey 'loved every minute' of his Auburn visit

Taylor Jones

~2 minutes

Auburn was far down on three-star defensive lineman T.J. Lindsey’s list, but that was before a successful official visit that took place over the weekend.

Lindsey, a native of Bryant, Arkansas, and a product of the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, took his official visit to Auburn last weekend and came away impressed. He tells Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports that he enjoyed everything about the visit to Auburn and that it was “my favorite visit I’ve been on so far.”

Buy Tigers Tickets

“My experience was fun but very realistic and truthful,” Lindsey said of his Auburn visit. “What continues to stand out to me is the coaching staff, from Coach (Hugh) Freeze to Coach (Jeremy) Garrett.” Lindsey also says that he feels that he would be a great fit in Auburn’s defensive scheme.

Lindsey is rated as a three-star defensive lineman by 247Sports and On3. As it stands, Notre Dame is the favorite to earn Lindsey’s signature according to On3’s Recruiting Prediciton Machine, with Texas A&M in a close second. The Aggies also have one crystal ball prediction to land Lindsey.

Lindsey listed Auburn in his top 10 earlier this month, but after a successful visit, expect Auburn to become more of a player in Lindsey’s recruitment.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

[aubiefifty 16,753]

Auburn lands JUCO defensive back Chancellor Anthony

Andrew Stefaniak

2–3 minutes

---

Auburn added some depth to the defensive back room by adding Chancellor Anthony.

The Tigers have added more depth to their defensive back room

Chancellor "Champ" "Pirate" Anthony has committed to the Tigers, per his social media.

Anthony is a six-foot-one, 176-pound defensive back who previously played at Tyler Junior College in Texas.

He is a utility guy who can really play any position in the defensive backfield that he is asked to. This is a good thing since safety is a position the coaching staff wanted to add some depth too, so if Anthony can play there, it makes this team deeper. 

Anthony seems extremely excited to play the rest of his college football on the Plains, which is exactly the type of guy you want on your team. Depth in the SEC is crucial, and Anthony adds that with some high upside. 

Anthony is a driven player who will undoubtedly crack the lineup at some point in his Auburn career.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

 

[aubiefifty 16,753]

It begins this morning at 8 am central

Edited June 6, 2023 by aubiefifty

[aubiefifty 16,753]

 

[aubiefifty 16,753]

 

[aubiefifty 16,753]

Michigan State’s Mel Tucker talks Payton Thorne’s transfer to Auburn

Updated: Jun. 05, 2023, 10:15 p.m.|Published: Jun. 05, 2023, 2:57 p.m.

2–3 minutes

Mel Tucker’s press briefing at the National College Showcase recruiting camp at Wayne State.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker wishes nothing but the best for Payton Thorne.

The former Spartans quarterback, who started the past two seasons for Tucker, transferred to Hugh Freeze’s Auburn program last month.

“We feel good about our situation,” Tucker said. “I just wish Payton the very best of luck. He’s a really good player, a better person, got a great family. We wish him well.”

Asked if guys transferring for “greener pastures” is the new norm in college football, Tucker said it is.

“I believe so,” Tucker said. “We’ve seen it right? We’ve gotten guys out of the portal, and it’s really common. So, I don’t think it’s anything that anyone should be surprised about.”

Thorne, a 6-foot-2, 210-pounder, is a former three-star dual-threat prospect who started all 12 games for the Spartans last season. Thorne is a 60.9 percent career passer who has thrown for 6,494 yards and 49 touchdowns in 29 games, with 26 of them coming starts for Michigan State. He’s one of the program’s career leaders in passing touchdowns (fourth), completion percentage (fifth) and passing yards (sixth), and he has five games with 300-plus yards through the air.

Thorne averaged 7.5 yards per pass attempt for his career and has 46 touchdowns against 21 interceptions the last two seasons while completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 5,911 yards.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

247sports.com

Why ESPN SP is high on Auburns returning production

Nathan King

5–6 minutes

Not only did Auburn land quantity to shore up holes across the roster, but Freeze and his staff also snagged a number of highly experienced pieces to help offset some production deficiencies

If Auburn struggles in Year 1 under Hugh Freeze, it certainly won’t be due to lack of experience on the roster.

The Tigers were obviously one of the most successful teams in the portal this cycle, finishing with 247Sports’ No. 3-rated transfer class, behind only Colorado and LSU. Auburn’s 20 additions range from rotational pieces along the defensive line to a potential starting quarterback.

Not only did Auburn land quantity to shore up holes across the roster, but Freeze and his staff also snagged a number of highly experienced pieces to help offset some production deficiencies from the team’s 2022 shortcomings, along with its offseason departures — whether from graduation, the NFL or the transfer portal.

As such, Auburn is in a healthy position in terms of returning production entering the 2022 season — both compared to its SEC cohorts and the rest of college football. In the updated ESPN SP+ ratings, which are routinely acknowledged as some of the most effective projection models in the sport, Auburn has the No. 11 returning production rate in the country entering the summer.

Of course, this means SP+ is lumping in transfer production with the traditional definition of “returning” players that were on the roster last season. As such, it’s not surprising that programs with top-rated transfer classes this year are also rated highly in returning production, like Florida State (No. 4), Michigan (No. 7), USC (No. 10) and LSU (No. 16).

SP+ ranked Auburn No. 66 nationally in returning production last offseason, when the Tigers’ numbers were hit hard by the departure of starting QB Bo Nix.

ESPN SP+ 2023 SEC RETURNING PRODUCTION RANKINGS

1. Missouri (85% returning)

2. Texas A&M (78%)

3. Auburn (74%)

4. LSU (73%)

5. Ole Miss (71%)

6. Vanderbilt (70%)

7. Mississippi State (67%)

8. Tennessee (65%)

9. Kentucky (64%)

10. Georgia (59%)

11. South Carolina (58%)

12. Arkansas (58%)

13. Florida (48%)

14. Alabama (46%)

Despite losing a massive chunk of its production at the line of scrimmage — with 19.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss out the door with the loss of Derick Hall and Colby Wooden — Auburn is still ranked No. 14 nationally in returning defensive production (76 percent) by SP+. The infusion of a high-level tackler in Larry Nixon III from North Texas helps offset Owen Pappoe’s departure. That helps to level things out and allow the secondary to stand out, as the Tigers aren’t losing any production from their defensive backs, and they bring back veterans like Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson and D.J. James.

On offense, the Tigers’ 72 percent figure ranks No. 34 nationally, obviously buoyed by Michigan State transfer quarterback Payton Thorne, along with more than 2,000 receiving yardage from last season thanks to the quantity of pickups at receiver, plus a productive tight end in FIU’s Rivaldo Fairweather.

Here’s a look at how much production has turned over across the board for Auburn, with its 20 transfer pickups bolstering the numbers in most categories, with the exception of just a couple.

All figures are reflective of last season’s stats, not career numbers, with the exception of offensive line starts.

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS

Production gained: 19 touchdowns

Production lost: 1 touchdown

Top transfer producer: Payton Thorne (Michigan State)

‌

PASSING YARDS

Production gained: 2,679 yards

Production lost: 431 yards

Top transfer producer: Payton Thorne (Michigan State)

‌

RUSHING YARDS

Production gained: 1,185 yards

Production lost: 1,030 yards

Top transfer producer: Brian Battie (USF)

‌

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

Production gained: 8 touchdowns

Production lost: 10 touchdowns

Top transfer producer: Brian Battie (USF)

‌

RECEIVING YARDS

Production gained: 2,020 yards

Production lost: 683 yards

Top transfer producer: Shane Hooks (Jackson State)

‌

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS

Production gained: 27 touchdowns

Production lost: 1 touchdown

Top transfer producer: Jyaire Shorter (North Texas)

‌

OFFENSIVE LINE STARTS

Production gained: 55 starts

Production lost: 19 starts

Top transfer producer: Avery Jones (East Carolina)

‌

TACKLES

Production gained: 314 tackles

Production lost: 282 tackles

Top transfer producer: Larry Nixon III (North Texas)

‌

SACKS

Production gained: 15.5 sacks

Production lost: 19.5 sacks

Top transfer producer: Jalen McLeod (App State)

‌

TACKLES FOR LOSS

Production gained: 24.5 TFLs

Production lost: 36 TFLs

Top transfer producer: Jalen McLeod (App State)

‌

PASS BREAKUPS

Official Visit Primer: 5-star Georgia commit headlines another impressive weekend list

It will be another big weekend for Auburn football.

To read this article and more, subscribe now —

SALE: 60% off first year

Get access to this article and all of the in-depth coverage from the 247Sports Network with this special offer.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

247sports.com

 

Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville makes ballot for College Football Hall of Fame

Nathan King

2–3 minutes

---

Auburn could have a fourth hall of fame coach in the near future.

Tommy Tuberville was named in the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame's 2024 induction class Monday morning, the organization announced. Tuberville is one of nine FBS coaches on this year's ballot, joining the likes of Miami's Larry Coker, Nebraska's Frank Solich and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio, among others. Three former FBS coaches were inducted last year.

After four seasons at Ole Miss, Tuberville was named Auburn's head coach ahead of the 1999 season. Across 10 seasons, he compiled an 85-40 record — the fourth-best winning percentage in program history — along with an SEC title in 2004 and five bowl victories. Under Tuberville, Auburn beat rival Alabama six straight years from 2002-07. 

Auburn's 2004 squad marked the first undefeated campaign in program history.

Tuberville stepped down following a 5-7 season in 2008, and spent a year away from coaching before returning at Texas Tech in 2010. Over the next seven seasons at Texas Tech and Cincinnati, Tuberville went 49-37, including a conference title at Cincinnati in 2014, before retiring following the 2016 season.

Tuberville then turned to a career in politics, and in 2020 he was voted senator of Alabama.

Already representing Auburn in the College Football Hall of Fame is Mike Donahue (1951), Ralph "Shug" Jordan (1982) and Pat Dye (2005)

Joining Tuberville are three former Auburn players on this year's ballot: linebackers Greg Carr and Takeo Spikes, and offensive lineman Ed King. The program's No. 2 all-time leading tackler, Carr is making his second straight appearance on the ballot after not being inducted last year, while Spikes and King are first-time nominees.

The 2024 induction class will be announced in early 2024.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

247sports.com

With 4 transfer additions Auburn hopes for good collaboration at receiver

Nathan King

5–6 minutes

When Marcus Davis meets with his receiving corps, he might be the shortest person in the room.

But it’s a fond reminder of his own playing days at Auburn, when he shared the field with taller players like Sammie Coates, Duke Williams and Tony Stevens.

“I love it,” Davis said with a laugh. “That’s how our room was: that combination of those big giants and the smaller guys like myself.”

Perhaps no position on Auburn’s roster was shored up as strongly as receiver this offseason, with the Tigers picking up four transfer players — including three since the conclusion of spring practice. A group that entered 2023 with only seven scholarship players added Cincinnati’s Nick Mardner, who played under Davis at Hawaii, then Ohio State’s Caleb Burton, North Texas’ Jyaire Shorter and Jackson State’s Shane Hooks.

In all, Auburn gained 4,390 yards of career production, and 49 receiving touchdowns.

Davis, who’s entering his first season as an assistant back at his alma mater, said above all those numbers, though, his initial questions for Hugh Freeze and the rest of the Tigers’ offensive staff about a potential transfer addition was how that player would fit into the existing room off the field — with returning pieces like Ja'Varrius Johnson, Camden Brown and Koy Moore.

“The first thing I was looking for is what type of person I would bring into the room that we already have,” Davis said on the Bleav in Everything Auburn podcast with former Auburn QB Jason Campbell and ESPN reporter Taylor Davis. “... How will he fit in with the guys we already have? I’m big on togetherness. If we’re all wrong, then we’re all right, as long as we’re on the same page, we can get it done.”

The episode was recorded before Auburn picked up Hooks toward the end of the month, but Davis first touched on Shorter, a grad transfer who was No. 1 in college football last season at 27.3 yards per catch. A whopping 11 of his 23 receptions went for touchdowns.

At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, in the two seasons at North Texas where Shorter was fully healthy and available, he posted 1,101 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.

“He’s been a productive guy,” Davis said of Shorter. “He’s somebody that will be able to come in — he’s an older and more mature guy. He’s a good piece to the puzzle of what we’re trying to do.”

On the other end of the spectrum from the experienced super seniors, Davis also added what’s essentially a retroactive freshman from the 2022 class. Burton, a former top-150 overall recruit, spent one year at Ohio State and didn’t see the field. The Texas native now becomes the Tigers’ highest-rated recruit at receiver on the roster.

"Caleb Burton is a super talented young man,” Davis said. “The main thing I’m excited about with those two guys is that it brings more competition and value to the room. I’m excited to get to work with those guys — and the room is, too, because it’s a great group we already have in terms of the people and the character. It’s going to be a good collaboration.”

Last month, Auburn Undercover caught up with offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, who talked about his excitement for Hooks' experience and skill set.

“I love his length, first of all,” Montgomery said. “And for his height, he's got really good speed. I think people underestimate that about him. But he does a really good job of getting in and out of cuts, getting out of coverage. … He'll add a threat. I think we can play him outside and inside. And I think he'll be a really, really big threat down in the red zone.”

Of course, Auburn’s receivers will hope to benefit from improved quarterback play in 2023, which the coaching staff attempted to address in the transfer portal with Michigan State’s Payton Thorne, a graduate senior who started 26 games with the Spartans and threw 49 touchdowns.

The rapport between Auburn’s receivers and QBs in fall camp has to start with execution from their own room first and foremost, though, Davis thinks.

“From playing the position, I never looked at it from the perspective of what they’re doing at the quarterback position,” Davis said. “I looked at what we can do to help the quarterback out. Run the right things, spend the much time as possible getting the right route depth — be specific with your approach whenever you get the opportunity. … How can we take accountability to help whoever gets to be the quarterback?”

*** Subscribe to Auburn Undercover for the latest news and intel, podcasts, recruiting coverage and more ***

*** Get Auburn news straight to your inbox with the Auburn Undercover newsletter ***

[aubiefifty 16,753]

Auburn love on ‘The Bachelorette’? Former Tiger OL hoping to woo AU grad

Published: Jun. 05, 2023, 1:48 p.m.

7–9 minutes

Auburn stands to win no matter who ends up with the final rose on the next season of “The Bachelorette.”

Auburn University grad Charity Lawson stars in the latest chapter of ABC’s hit reality dating series, and former Auburn football player Kaleb Kim will vie for her affection.

ABC announced in March Lawson will star on the upcoming season premiering June 26. “I’m the Bachelorette!” Charity said in the Instagram video. “Like, I can’t even say that without crying, screaming, but I am the next Bachelorette.” Lawson marks the first Auburn connection since Madison Prewett, a foster parent recruiter and AU graduate (and oldest daughter of Auburn’s director of basketball operations, Chad Prewett), who appeared during season 24 with Bachelor Peter Weber. She’s the first Alabama-connected lead in the franchise since Tuscaloosa’s Hannah Brown starred in season 15 of “The Bachelorette.”

READ: 15 times Alabama took over ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘The Bachelorette’

Lawson will lead season 20 of the spinoff franchise, following co-Bachelorettes Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from AU, giving at least one contestant the ice-breaker he needs to spark any connection with the Bachelorette.

Kaleb Kim of Norcross, Ga., played offensive line for the Auburn Tigers 2016-19, finishing his college career as the team’s starting center during the 2019 season. Kim finished with 17 career starts, starting the first three games of the 2018 seasons including the Washington season opener. He missed the Outback Bowl in 2019 but made the SEC academic honor roll, as well as the preseason Rimington Trophy and Reese’s Senior Bowl watch lists.

Kim wore number 54 during his Auburn football career. His parents are John and Cindy Kim. His father played football at Gardner-Webb. Standing at 6-foot-4-inches and 300 pounds while at AU, Kim originally hails from Buford, Ga., and attended Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Ga. He studied business at AU.

Now a construction salesman, the 26-year-old Kim “spent many years bettering himself and is ready to take the next step and find true love,” according to his official ABC biography page. “As a loyal, caring and consistent partner, Kaleb K. will go the extra mile to appreciate his partner’s passions.”

So what is Kaleb passionate about? “Pushing himself to be the best,” his bio says. “With a blue belt in jujitsu, Kaleb is excited to put his competitive edge to the test to win Charity’s heart. And a fellow Auburn Tiger alum, he may already have another leg up with Charity. Kaleb K., don’t drop the ball on this one!”

ABC shared these fun facts about Kim:

Kaleb K. would love to coach high school football.

Kaleb K. is personally offended by mayonnaise.

Kaleb K. hopes to visit South Korea and learn more about his heritage.

At the very least, we anticipate at least one “War Eagle!” during the June 26 premiere on ABC (at 8 p.m. Central), maybe as soon as Kim pops out of the limo and meets Lawson for the first time? Will the Auburn connection make for a love connection?

According to Kim’s Auburn football bio and Lawson’s 2022 Instagram post reflecting on her graduation, it appears the pair were on campus at the same time. Did they ever cross paths? We’ll find out soon enough.

You can see Kim blow a kiss around 1:08 of the video above, and meet all 25 of the men hoping to steal Lawson’s heart this season.

Kaleb Kim (above) poses for a portrait for ABC's "The Bachelorette," on which he's a contestant during the show's 20th season starring Auburn University graduate Charity Lawson. Kim played football at AU from 2016-19. (Ricky Middlesworth/ABC; Julie Bennett/AL.com)

Who is Charity Lawson?

A 26-year-old child and family therapist from Columbus, Ga. She currently lives in Charlotte, N.C. She appeared as a contestant during the 27th season of “The Bachelor.”

Here is what ABC shared about Lawson in her official “Bachelor” contestant bio:

“It’s easy to see what makes Charity such a great catch! With a smile that lights up the room, a great career and a sweet personality to match, Charity is the total package! The Georgia beauty takes her name as a call to love and care for people and has built her life on that purpose. Charity is a mental health therapist and is extremely passionate about helping people live their best lives. Now, she is ready to receive the love she gives to so many others! Charity hopes her future husband is honest, loyal and shares similar morals. She says she is really excited to meet Zach and thinks the two of them could be a perfect match on paper. Time will tell if they’re also a perfect match in person!”

The ABC bio also shared three fun facts about Lawson:

Charity’s all-time favorite movie is “The Notebook.”

Charity wants to move to Walt Disney World one day.

Charity throws a mean axe.

Her parents are David and Vickie. Her brother is Nehemiah.

What is her Alabama connection?

Lawson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University.

After receiving her master’s degree on the Plains, Lawson posted a graduate portrait on Instagram and wrote, “The past 6 years at Auburn, has been an experience of a lifetime, one that I don’t take for granted. I’ve been challenged, pushed and molded into the woman I am today. Looking back on my journey, I’ve met the most incredible people, professors, created the BEST memories, but most importantly, unconsciously, I walked right into my calling.”

She finished with a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling. “The joy that comes with obtaining a degree the second time around is so much sweeter when you gain confirmation that it is exactly one of the things God has called you to do,” she wrote. “The last two years has challenged me every single day in the areas of personal growth, but also in my professional identity as a therapist. I get the great opportunity as a therapist to love people as Jesus loved. This field of work is so beautiful, and I’m passionate about always advocating for mental health in today’s society.”

And yes, she also dropped a “War Eagle!”

What happened on ‘The Bachelor?’

Zach Shallcross, the lead on season 27 of “The Bachelor,” sent Lawson home after hometown dates.

“She stole America’s heart on season 27 of ‘The Bachelor’ with her confidence, compassion for helping others and magnetic smile,” an ABC press release said. “Audiences saw Lawson open herself up to finding love by taking risks, all while supporting those around her. After her emotional exit, she solidified Bachelor Nation’s trust in her genuine desire to find love.”

What is she looking for as ‘The Bachelorette?’

From ABC: “As the Bachelorette, Lawson is searching for a life partner who loves dogs, thrifting and a good tailgate; but, above all else, is honest, empathetic and values her for who she is. With parents who have been married over 47 years, Lawson has been instilled with the confidence of knowing what she deserves and is eager to find a lasting love matching their example.”

When will ‘The Bachelorette’ premiere?

Season 20 of “The Bachelorette” will premiere Monday, June 26, at 8 p.m. Central on ABC.

What other Alabama connections have we seen on ‘The Bachelor’?

From villainous contestants to lovable leads, Alabama personalities have dominated certain seasons of the long-running reality show, giving the state some well-earned airtime that keeps viewers coming back for more. We ran through Alabama’s biggest connections to “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” which turned 20 last year.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

Scarbinsky: Fear is keeping SEC football at a standstill

Published: Jun. 04, 2023, 5:54 a.m.

1–2 minutes

---

By

• Kevin Scarbinsky | Special to AL.com

This is an opinion column.

It’s June. It’s hot. Hotter than an Ivy League school beating Auburn in front of the new Frank Thomas statue, then trolling the Tigers with a clever, cutting Kick Six blast.

“PENN’S GONNA WIN THE BASEBALL GAME! PENN’S GONNA WIN THE BASEBALL GAME!”

Leave it to the smart guys to leave a mark.

With the shocking exception of Auburn’s early exit on the Plains, the SEC baseball takeover of the NCAA Tournament is in full swing. So what’s everyone in the college sports blogosphere talking about from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes?

SEC football. More precisely, the SEC football schedule. The 2024 SEC football schedule. Which officially has no names attached to it yet - tune in June 14 to the SEC Network for the full reveal - but finally, mercifully, has a number almost everyone inside and outside the league footprint can hate.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

auburnwire.usatoday.com

Meet the top 2024 prospects from the state of Alabama

Taylor Jones

11–14 minutes

As the summer begins, many of the nation’s top recruits are locking in official visits. Many of those top recruits reside in the Yellow Hammer State.

Last season, Auburn signed six players from the state of Alabama. Four of those were in the top 25, and five made up the top 30. Can Hugh Freeze and staff continue to ride the momentum they built on the back end of last year’s recruiting cycle?

Buy Tigers Tickets

A program such as Auburn, which is in rebuilding mode, must work on keeping the top prospects from their home state within its borders. The Tigers have done just that by reeling in three of the state’s top 25 prospects, and are on pace to haul in a few more.

Ahead of a busy summer full of recruiting news, here’s a look at the state of Alabama’s top 25 prospects for the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Vitals

Position: LB

Height: 6-0

Weight: 221

Rating: Three-star

Here’s a trend that you will notice on this list… D’Angelo Barber is one of four players in the top 25 that hail from Clay-Chalkville High School. He remains uncommitted for now, but Auburn is the team to beat as they have collected four predictions from On3 and 247Sports.

Auburn is setting the tone early for in-state LB D'Angelo "DJ" Barber, who returned to the Plains for a visit on Wednesday (VIP).

"I feel like Auburn’s pushing about the hardest right now."https://t.co/csTs0f7Rat pic.twitter.com/QxoDJs7mjg

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) March 23, 2023

Vitals

Position: DL

Height: 6-2

Weight: 268

Rating: Four-star

Attending high school just an hour away from Auburn’s campus, in addition to having a brother currently on Auburn’s roster is helping Freeze’s case when it comes to recruiting DL Malik Blocton. Blocton is the younger brother of Auburn DL Marcus Harris, and has probably been to Auburn’s campus “more than any other 2024 recruit.”

There aren’t any predicitons out for Blocton yet, but Auburn appears to be the team to beat.

In-state DL Malik Blocton on #Auburn: 'They've always been consistent' (On3+) @AuburnLiveOn3

Good quotes about Tigers’ DL Marcus Harris (Blocton’s brother) and his view on the new staff and defense at Auburn.https://t.co/PiQKrjeCzF

— Cole Pinkston (@ColePinkston) May 27, 2023

Vitals

Position: TE

Height: 6-5

Weight: 253

Rating: Four-star

Whitted has received an Auburn offer, and is in a race with Alabama and Tennessee according to Justin Smith at Touchdown Alabama magazine.

In an article from Auburn Undercover in April, Christian Clemente listed Whitted as a tight end that would pair well with 2024 commit Martavious Collins.

From the article: Whitted has been playing wide receiver for most of his football career. But at over 6-foot-6 and over 250 pounds, tight end is the future spot for him in college. Whitted visited Auburn earlier this spring and said that he’s looking to come back this summer for a camp to learn more about the tight end position from (Coach Ben) Aigamaua.

#AGTG (wow) after a great camp and a great conversation with @BradBedell I am truly blessed to receive (an) offer from Auburn University #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/doJ52TsOuw

— 𝐽𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑦 𝐷. 𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 (@YbfCorey) June 6, 2022

Vitals

Position: CB

Height: 6-0

Weight: 175

Rating: Four-star

The first Auburn commitment on the list is Anniston defensive back Jayden Lewis. Lewis committed to Auburn in February, the same day that five star point guard Tahaad Pettiford also announced his commitment to Auburn’s basketball program.

BREAKING: 2024 Top247 CB Jayden Lewis has committed to Auburn. Second Top247 CB Auburn has in the class.

"I got there Saturday and it was the same vibe. It was real love. That really took it over the top and I was ready to commit now.”

More: https://t.co/Ss09y4afW5 pic.twitter.com/VJt02z4cbI

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) February 1, 2023

Vitals

Position: QB

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

Rating: Four-star

Josh Flowers had a spectacular season for the Baker Hornets in 2022 by passing for 1,992 yards and 20 touchdowns, and rushed for 859 additional yards. He committed to Mississippi State in March, choosing the Bulldogs over Texas A&M, Indiana, NC State, among others.

Baker HS, 4⭐️ quarterback Josh Flowers has committed to Mississippi State — @JoshFlowers2024 posted nearly 3,000 total yards and 25 TDs for @BakerHSFootball last year as a junior. @AL7AFootball #HailState pic.twitter.com/dsc00K9u5Q

— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) March 9, 2023

Vitals

Position: EDGE

Height: 6-3

Weight: 211

Rating: Four-star

Once a strong Auburn target, Sterling Dixon committed to Alabama last December, and is one of four Alabama commits who make up the top 25.

Let’s work ❤️! 10000% committed pic.twitter.com/OwRJ1u2vI3

— ᔕTᗴᖇᒪIᑎᘜ ᗪI᙭Oᑎ💫 (@sterlingTDixon1) December 1, 2022

Vitals

Position: LB

Height: 6-1

Weight: 216

Rating: Four-star

As we creep closer to the top 10, it is time to take a look at Hoover’s Bradley Shaw. Shaw has taken an unofficial visit to Auburn, but the Tigers still have work to do in order to lock in the crucial official visit. Shaw has scheduled official visits to Georgia and Notre Dame for this month, with Auburn and Alabama each expected to receive a visit.

Hoover (Ala.) junior LB Bradley Shaw earned an offer from Auburn on Monday. Tigers now in the mix for one of the state's top recruits in 2024.

On3: https://t.co/aZn6Hr60qE pic.twitter.com/Jg3xZiF14t

— Jeffrey Lee (@JLeeAULive) July 12, 2022

Vitals

Position: OT

Height: 6-8

Weight: 365

Rating: Four-star

JacQawn McRoy has held onto an Auburn offer for almost a year, but there has been minimal noise between McRoy and the Tigers since he paid a visit to campus in March. OL coach Jake Thornton told McRoy that he has “league potential”, and McRoy said that he liked the “family atmosphere” that Auburn presents.

McRoy has scheduled official visits to Ole Miss, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Oregon this summer.

247Sports' No. 3 OT, Clay-Chalkville's JacQawn McRoy returned to Auburn on Wednesday. At 6'8", 365 pounds, the message to him was simple (VIP).

"League potential, get developed, in-home state, hour and 45 minutes from where I’m from."https://t.co/mBnXAoklHP pic.twitter.com/Df5zNY3owz

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) March 23, 2023

Vitals

Position: LB

Height: 6-2

Weight: 251

Rating: Four-star

Auburn already holds a top-40 class, and it could improve with the addition of Joseph Phillips. Phillips included Auburn in his top five in April, and the Tigers are currently favored to earn his commitment. Phillips plays high school football just 21 miles from Jordan-Hare Stadium, so it would be a travesty to let someone as talented as Phillips get away.

Auburn makes the cut for 4-star pass-rusher Joseph Phillips. Cadillac Williams and Auburn's interim staff were his first offer, and the new staff has continued to pursue him heavily (VIP).

"They’re one of them schools that show some of the most interest."https://t.co/NrexIApWsZ pic.twitter.com/XgONXMvZ3n

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) April 13, 2023

Vitals

Position: RB

Height: 5-11

Weight: 195

Rating: Four-star

Auburn is reportedly looking to take another running back from the 2024 class in addtion to J’Marion Burnette, and Kevin Riley could be that guy. Burnette has been actively recruiting Riley to join him in Auburn, but will it work? According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, the hometown Alabama Crimson Tide is the favorite with a 33.5% chance at landing him.

Looking to take 2 RBs this class, Auburn now has a commitment from the No. 2 RB in the state in J'Marion 'Phat' Burnette. Can Auburn get the No. 1 RB in the state in Kevin Riley?

Phat's message to Riley?

“Come home."https://t.co/1ymlN1zwxZ pic.twitter.com/GnFogZnq9u

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) March 24, 2023

Vitals

Position: WR

Height: 6-3

Weight: 180

Rating: Four-star

Could Auburn land another top-10 prospect from the home front? Auburn is projected to earn Coleman’s commitment according to On3, and his official visit to the Plains on June 12 could be the push that Auburn needs. He has also scheduled official visits to Clemson and LSU.

5-star WR Cam Coleman tells Auburn Undercover he has locked in his official visit to the Plains.

One of Auburn's top overall targets on the entire board will be on campus again soon (VIP): https://t.co/tW6wnJpe0u pic.twitter.com/QsoVd8rNmz

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) June 4, 2023

Vitals

Position: EDGE

Height: 6-5

Weight: 215

Rating: Four-star

For a position that Auburn needs to build depth on, they will have to look somewhere else besides Ross to fill that need. Ross released his top eight in April, and Auburn failed to make the cut. The state’s highest-ranked uncommitted prospect has official visits set for Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Florida this summer.

Vestavia Hills elite edge-rusher Jordan Ross @Childsplay_205 is coming off of dropping a Top 8 – Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, LSU, Oregon, USC and Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/h8lquIYHo2

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) April 28, 2023

Vitals

Position: WR

Height: 6-3

Weight: 202

Rating: Five-star

Alabama did a great job of locking down two of the state’s three five-star prospects in Perry Thompson. Thompson chose Alabama over Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, and USC last June. However, Auburn has locked in an official visit for Thompson. Could another flip be on the horizon?

5-star Alabama WR commit Perry Thompson is one of Auburn's biggest targets. The Tigers will get him in for an OV this summer as Marcus Davis and Hugh Freeze try to work a flip (VIP).

"Everything on campus just feels like home, it feels good."https://t.co/tLK8bHnTCE pic.twitter.com/KSrnCenR4V

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) May 10, 2023

Vitals

Position: LB

Height: 6-2

Weight: 212

Rating: Five-star

Kirby Smart has crossed statelines to take one of the state of Alabama’s top prospects in Demarcus Riddick. Riddick committed to Georgia last November, becoming the first defensive player to commit to the Bulldogs. Auburn is not out of the race, yet, as Jeffrey Lee of Auburn Live reports that he will be on Auburn’s campus next week for a visit.

MORE BIG VISIT NEWS for Auburn.

Another elite recruit, Georgia four-star LB commitment Demarcus Riddick, is expected to visit Auburn next week.

The latest on the No. 3 LB in 2024…

On3+https://t.co/3G6Q9M4B4n

— Jeffrey Lee (@JLeeAULive) June 5, 2023

Vitals

Position: ATH

Height: 5-11

Weight: 170

Rating: Five-star

We began this list with a Clay-Chalkville star, and we will end the list with another. Jaylen Mbakwe begins the summer as the state’s top recruit, and has been an Alabama pledge since last July. But, as is the case with Demarcus Riddick, Auburn is not completely out of the woods to bring in Mbakwe. He visited Auburn last weekend, and left room for Freeze to change his mind.

Alabama five-star commit Jaylen Mbakwe visited Auburn over the weekend, but do the Tigers really have a chance to flip his commitment?

"After this visit, I can say they do."

On3+https://t.co/giJ8c4tIY6

— Jeffrey Lee (@JLeeAULive) June 5, 2023

[WarTim 3,456]

Thanks Fifty 

[aubiefifty 16,753]

Projecting Auburn football's starters ahead of 2023 season after major roster shuffle

Richard Silva, Montgomery Advertiser

6–8 minutes

---

AUBURN — The dust may finally be settled.

Auburn football has had one of the busiest offseasons in the country. With new coach Hugh Freeze resetting his roster, the Tigers brought in 20 players from the transfer portal since he took over in November, tied with BYU for the ninth most among Division I programs.

And with about 22 freshmen and former junior college players also coming in − a couple newcomers are still working to qualify − nearly half of Auburn's roster will be made up of new faces. Here's a look at who we think will start for the Tigers in 2023, with the offense projected in "11" personnel (one running back, one tight end) and the defense in what'll likely be its base formation.

BY THE NUMBERS: Breaking down what Auburn football gained, lost in the transfer portal this offseason

GETTING RECOGNIZED: Takeo Spikes, Antonio Langham headline Alabama icons on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Quarterback: Payton Thorne

Freeze and his staff were patient at this position. The Tigers had their chances to add a portal QB throughout the offseason, but held off before landing on Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne last month. If Thorne can tap back into what he did in 2021 (3,232 passing yards and 27 TDs), Auburn's ceiling will rise considerably.

Incumbent starter Robby Ashford is still in the mix, along with redshirt freshman Holden Geriner, but Thorne is the projected starter due to the fact that Freeze went out and sought him specifically.

Running back: Jarquez Hunter

Thorne's best season came when he had a strong running game to lean on − Kenneth Walker rushed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns two seasons ago − which makes Jarquez Hunter's job even more important. He collected 668 rushing yards behind Tank Bigsby in 2022, but it's to be seen how he'll perform as the featured back.

Wide receiver: Jyaire Shorter, Shane Hooks, Ja'Varrius Johnson

This position saw the most churn this offseason. Auburn lost four receivers to the portal, namely Tar'Varish Dawson (Colorado) and Landen King (Utah), but added four players to replace them. Two of those newcomers − Jyaire Shorter and Shane Hooks − have a good chance to start, but expect a heavy rotation of at least seven receivers.

Tight end: Rivaldo Fairweather

Florida International transfer Rivaldo Fairweather has the chance to be one of Auburn's most impactful pickups. His 6-foot-4, 251-pound frame is exactly what Freeze looks for in pass catchers, and his 426 receiving yards last season prove he's capable of making an impact in the passing game. The offense adds another dimension if Fairweather levels up on that production.

Offensive line: LT Dillon Wade, LG Jeremiah Wright, C Avery Jones, RG Jaden Muskrat, RT Gunner Britton

Bringing in four transfers and all of them starting on the offensive line is either a recipe for disaster or exactly what the Tigers needed. We won't know until the fall, though the staff didn't have much of a choice but to retool the unit.

Jeremiah Wright at left guard is the only returning player likely to be with the first group. Gunner Britton (right tackle), Avery Jones (center) and Dillon Wade (left tackle) all settled in nicely to their roles during spring practice, and Jaden Muskrat, who committed to Auburn on May 8, is someone with the versatility to play both tackle and guard, according to Freeze.

Defensive line: NT Jayson Jones, DT Justin Rogers, DE Marcus Harris

A unit of Jayson Jones, Justin Rogers and Marcus Harris started at A-Day in April, and there's no reason to believe that group won't be the starters come September. Jeffrey M'ba could've challenged Harris, but he entered the portal and transferred to Purdue following spring practice.

Jack: Jalen McLeod

Appalachian State transfer Jalen McLeod only played against an SEC team once during his three seasons with the Mountaineers, but he made it count. The 6-foot-1, 237-pound pass rusher logged three tackles, two sacks and forced two fumbles in an upset win at Texas A&M last September. Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McAllister and true freshman Keldric Faulk should see time here, too.

Off-ball linebackers: Austin Keys, Larry Nixon III

"Just his passion," Freeze said May 17 when asked what he liked in North Texas transfer Larry Nixon III. "The way he ran to the football and the way he's a solid tackler. You just can't have enough of those guys. And I think he's going to come in and compete for a starting position. I really do."

Slotting Nixon, who tallied over 100 tackles last season, next to Ole Miss transfer Austin Keys gives Auburn a new-look linebacker corps after four-year starter Owen Pappoe left for the NFL.

Cornerbacks: DJ James, Nehemiah Pritchett

The secondary saw little movement this offseason; that's due in large part because of what DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett are expected to do in 2023. The duo started together last season and decided to come back for another year on the Plains, re-forming what could be one of the SEC's best tandems at the position this upcoming season.

Star: Keionte Scott

Keionte Scott quickly played his way onto the field and made an impact last season after transferring to Auburn from Snow College, a junior college in Utah. With a season of experience, he's likely to start at the star, which is a position similar to slot cornerback. Donovan Kaufman could also be a name to watch at this spot.

Safeties: Jaylin Simpson, Zion Puckett

Craig McDonald, a sophomore safety from Minnesota, was the only player in the secondary to transfer out of Auburn this offseason. With little movement, expect Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett to start on the back end.

Kicker/Punter: Alex McPherson, Oscar Chapman

Auburn didn't bring in a transfer kicker or punter, nor did it see one go out the door. Alex McPherson, who was ranked by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 1 kicker in the Class of 2022, is primed to start. Oscar Chapman is back following a season that saw him as a Ray Guy Award semifinalist.

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

si.com

Auburn's Payton Thorne classified as bottom-tier quarterback in college football

Lance Dawe

~3 minutes

The Athletic comprised a list of various Power Five and Group of Five quarterbacks and placed Thorne in the lowest tier.

The assessment of Michigan State transfer quarterback Payton Thorne varies from outlet to outlet.

The Athletic recently released an article ($) placing various Power Five and Group of Five quarterbacks into five different tiers. It is "by no means a complete list of every qualified FBS quarterback," but it does hit 31 of the more important signal-callers in the sport.

Auburn's Payton Thorne was placed in the fifth and bottom tier of the list. It's not as bad of a place to be as one would assume, considering the tier is also comprised of quarterbacks such as Quinn Ewers of Texas, Joe Milton of Tennessee, Will Rogers of Mississippi State, and Riley Leonard of Duke (among others).

Article authors Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel noted that "Thorne slid as well at Michigan State but could be rejuvenated playing in Hugh Freeze’s offense."

Thorne was a two-year starter at Michigan State before transferring to Auburn over the weekend. The Tigers were in search of a new starting quarterback, and the expectation among fans is that Thorne comes in and wins the job in fall camp with (relative) ease.

It's unknown how Hugh Freeze is going to play things out before Auburn takes the field vs UMass, but expect incumbent Robby Ashford to push for the job regardless.

Thorne finished an accomplished quarterback at Michigan State, setting single-season records for total yards, total touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career total touchdowns, fifth in career total yards, fourth in career passing touchdowns and third in single-season passing yards.

He's not a dazzling arm talent but was excellent attacking downfield in his two seasons with the Spartans. He's a great system fit for Freeze and Montgomery.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

What SEC football schedule means for the College Football Playoff

Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams

3–4 minutes

---

The SEC endured criticism after sticking with an eight-game conference schedule for 2024, even after the conference grows to 16 teams. Other conferences like the Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 play nine conference games.

Dissent from the peanut gallery can be ignored, but blowback from the College Football Playoff selection committee would be a stinging rebuke with real consequences.

The CFP will expand to 12 teams in 2024, and the playoff selection committee will determine six at-large bids. While it’s not apparent exactly how much strength of schedule will factor into those debates, the SEC would seem to be leaving itself vulnerable to rejection in instances of similar resumes, because its members will play one fewer conference game than many Power Five peers.

On this edition of "SEC Football Unfiltered," a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams discuss why the SEC decided to stick with an eight-game conference schedule and the ramifications of that decision.

Rivalries can be preserved in 2024. That’s a silver lining to this decision. If the SEC remains at eight conference games beyond 2024, though, certain rivalries would be in jeopardy of interruption. 

TOPPMEYER:After SEC kicks the can on football schedule, ESPN and CFP gain control

ADAMS:What I'll miss most after SEC football scraps divisions

Some school administrators within the SEC were reluctant to add an additional conference game without ESPN kicking in more money. But, what if ESPN continues to keep its wallet shut in what amounts to a game of chicken with the SEC? Who will cave first?

If the CFP selection shuts out a third- or fourth-place SEC team on the grounds of its strength of schedule and selects a comparable Big Ten team, that could tip the scales toward adding a ninth conference game, regardless of ESPN's move.

If the SEC sticks with eight conference games for the long term, games like Alabama-Tennessee and Auburn-Georgia would be among the sacrifices. While those games can be preserved for 2024, the removal of divisions and the 1-7 schedule format would interrupt secondary rivalries if the eight-game schedule persists.

[aubiefifty 16,753]

si.com

 

Athlon Sports predicts Auburn football's 2024 conference slate

Lance Dawe

2–3 minutes

---

It looks like 2024 is going to be a tough year for Auburn.

The SEC has set an announcement date for the 2024 schedule.

With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the conference coming next year, there's been an ongoing discussion as to whether or not the format of the schedule changes, how many games in conference play are had, and whether or not certain rivalries are kept for the betterment of the league.

The SEC's 2024 schedule will be announced on June 14 on special primetime show on SEC Network, per Brett McMurphy of the Action Network. Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger reports that The 2024 schedules are being released on June 14 on the SEC Network (matchups only - not dates).

McMurphy also reports that the SEC will stick with an eight-game conference schedule once the Longhorns and Sooners begin play next fall.

Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports recently put out a projection of every SEC team's conference schedule that will be announced soon.

Athlon projects Auburn's 2024 conference slate to include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

"This is a tough draw for Hugh Freeze's program," Lassan said. "Games against Alabama and Georgia absolutely have to happen. And once you add in Oklahoma and LSU, it's easy to see why this could be the strongest schedule in our projected matchups."

It's an extremely brutal schedule regardless of how you slice it for Hugh Freeze & Co.

---

[aubiefifty 16,753]

 

[aubiefifty 16,753]

 

[aubiefifty 16,753]

Jyaire Shorter included in College Sports Wire’s best SEC wide receivers list

Taylor Jones

2–3 minutes

---

Auburn will have a completely revamped offensive unit in 2023, as Hugh Freeze performed a complete overhaul by using talent from the transfer portal.

One of the most talented additions to Auburn’s receiving unit is North Texas transfer Jyaire Shorter. Shorter announced his transfer to Auburn the same day as fellow North Texas product, linebacker Larry Nixon III, shared his intention to also transfer to Auburn. Shorter joins Caleb Burton and Nick Mardner as new wide receivers to the squad, and one college football analyst feels that he can become one of the SEC’s leading receivers by season’s end.

In his initial SEC wide receiver rankings, College Sports Wire’s Patrick Conn listed Shorter as the No. 12 wide receiver in the conference. Conn feels that Shorter and quarterback Payton Thorne will team up to create explosive plays for Auburn this season.

If you want explosive plays, keep your eyes on Jyaire Shorter of Auburn. He joins a team in desperate need of big plays on the offensive side of the ball. Shorter should be a big play threat with plenty of those explosive plays, as long as Robby Ashford isn’t the one throwing the ball.

Shorter snagged 23 passes for 628 yards and 11 touchdowns last season for the Mean Green. His 11 touchdowns led the team last season, with the next closest receiver only snagging five. He has a total of 58 catches for 1,1,320 yards and 20 touchdowns ahead of his final eligible season in 2023.